A remote Australian town is about to become a shining example of how communities can successfully transition to clean energy, with an exciting renewable power project nearing completion in Exmouth, Western Australia.

Pacific Energy, a specialist in remote energy development, has reached a major milestone by installing more than 16,000 solar panels at a new solar farm that will transform how this coastal community is powered. Located in Western Australia's stunning Gascoyne region, about 1,200 kilometers north of Perth, Exmouth is set to receive up to 80% of its electricity from renewable sources—a remarkable achievement for any town.

The impressive hybrid system combines a 9.6 MW solar farm with two sophisticated battery energy storage systems boasting a combined capacity of 10 MW and 49.6 MWh. What makes this project particularly innovative is its energy-shifting capability, which means residents will enjoy access to clean solar power even after the sun sets. The batteries store excess solar energy during the day and release it when needed, dramatically reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Through a 20-year power purchase agreement with state-owned Horizon Power, Pacific Energy will build and operate the entire system, which also includes a 7 MW gas-fired power station for backup during periods of high demand or low renewable generation. However, the system's hydrocarbons-off capability means it can operate completely gas-free for extended periods—a testament to how far renewable technology has advanced.

The project is progressing beautifully, with solar panel installation now complete and battery units arriving on site. Mechanical works at the solar farm have been finished, and electrical installations are well underway. The entire system is on track to come online by mid-year, marking an exciting new chapter for the community.

Once operational, the Exmouth Power Project will prevent nearly 14,000 tonnes of carbon emissions from entering the atmosphere each year—equivalent to taking thousands of cars off the road. This substantial environmental benefit demonstrates how regional communities can make significant contributions to fighting climate change.

This isn't Exmouth's first foray into renewable energy. The town has been steadily building its clean energy infrastructure, with Horizon Power completing its Smart Connect Solar program in 2024, which expanded rooftop solar connections across the community. A year earlier, the energy provider installed a 2.8 MW/4.5 MWh battery system to increase the town's solar hosting capacity.

The Exmouth Power Project represents a broader, inspiring initiative by the Western Australian government to help regional areas transition away from carbon-intensive energy sources. It proves that even remote communities far from major urban centers can successfully embrace renewable energy and enjoy reliable, clean power.

For the residents of Exmouth, this means lower carbon emissions, greater energy security, and the satisfaction of knowing their town is helping lead Australia's renewable energy transformation. It's a powerful reminder that the clean energy transition isn't just happening in big cities—it's reaching communities across the country, one solar panel at a time.